Storm clouds have silver lining

A newly-released survey has found that in the wake of serious weather events since 2023, especially the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, many people are taking proactive steps to prepare for whatever the weather might bring next.

The Wild Weather Tracker regular nationwide survey commissioned by insurers AMI, State and NZI, found that significant shifts in attitude are happening nationwide. 

Their research found that over the past two years, natural hazards have affected the lives of 54 percent of New Zealanders, with 41 percent feeling adversely affected. 

However, in 2022, just 40 percent of respondents reported taking precautions to protect themselves and their property from severe weather. By 2025, that figure has more than doubled to 83 percent. Three out of four New Zealanders now say they’re confident their homes could withstand severe weather events.

This preparedness reflects growing awareness of climate-related risks. According to the report, nearly 90 percent of New Zealanders now consider natural hazards when deciding where to live or buy property. 

Although it was calmer over the past year, resulting in storm-related insurance claims dropping by 57 percent, MetService still issued 89 weather warnings for wind, rain and snow during the spring and summer of 2024–2025, and there were 14 natural hazard events, including six significant storms.

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) received around 470 calls during weather events, including ex-tropical Cyclone Tam, across Northland and Auckland last month. National Response Capability manager Nick Pyatt said crews responded to a wide range of incidents, from rescues and flooding to damaged roofs. Additional specialist teams were deployed in advance to areas most likely to be hit.

In response to the series of severe weather events, Pyatt says, FENZ has invested significantly in building its capacity over the past two years.

He says this includes establishing water rescue teams in Northland and Auckland, investing in specialist safety and protective equipment, delivering targeted training to help crews deal with storm-related risks, and reviewing and refreshing operational processes and policy.

The psychological toll of such events is also being recognised. The Wild Weather Tracker survey found that more than half of New Zealanders feel anxious about storms, with 43 percent specifically worried about flooding. AMI, State and NZI Chief Executive Amanda Whiting said many customers reported ongoing emotional stress after severe weather events, especially if they were displaced or lost their homes.

“It is troubling that New Zealanders feel worried about going to bed when it’s raining,” Whiting said. “The psychological impact of wild weather can last long after the damage is repaired.”

Whiting called for stronger government action to reduce natural hazard risks, especially for vulnerable communities.

“We need smarter decisions about where we build, how we protect what we’ve built, and in some cases, whether we need to move people out of harm’s way,” she said.

Support from neighbours and local networks can also make a difference. Research by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand found that a strong sense of community was the most important factor in helping people recover from extreme weather events.

On the Hibiscus Coast, community groups, neighbourhood Facebook pages, and local response teams have played a vital role in keeping residents informed and supported during severe weather.

Over the past 18 months Hatfields Beach resident Tracella Owens has been working with communities across the Coast to set up resilience support groups (Hibiscus Matters, Feb 25). Currently, there are active groups for Whangaparāoa, Hibiscus North, Hatfields Beach and Waiwera.

Now Owens is working to establish a Hibiscus Coast Neighbourhood Support Group, which should be active in the next couple of months, she says.

“A big part of resilience planning is getting to know your neighbours, then in an emergency, you know who is vulnerable and needs assistance. A neighbourhood support group helps create a structure for that, and helps us build neighbour connectedness on the Coast.”

To find out more about resilience community groups or the support group on the Coast, contact Tracella Tracella.owens@xtra.co.nz